Yesterday, 5th April marks exactly 55 years to the day that the West Papuan parliament or Niuew Guinea Raad was first launched in 1961. It is what we West Papuans refer to as the Day of Hope as it marked the first steps on our journey to full freedom and Independence. But yesterday, our Day of...
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Indonesian military operations are more attempts to annihilate the people of West Papua
During this Easter time of peace, the Indonesian military has made West Papua a land of ongoing military operations. The people of West Papua are in grave danger this season as the Indonesian military is currently undertaking “sweeping operations” in the Central Highlands of West Papua which is likely to involve hundreds of Indonesian soldiers...
Indonesia must stop interrogating the people of West Papua
On behalf of my people, I am demanding that the Indonesian police immediately stop interrogating West Papuans for supporting the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP). What crime is there in supporting a peaceful organisation that advocates for your basic rights and freedoms that should be guaranteed to all? ULMWP was formed to unite...
Indonesia must leave West Papua.
“The Indonesian government wants us to leave Indonesia? We will be happy to leave Indonesia but first the Indonesian government must leave West Papua”. 20th February 2016 Yesterday, in response my recent interview with CNN, the Indonesian government has said it wants the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) to leave Indonesia. Coordinating Minister...
Letter of condolence after the death of Lord Avebury
On behalf of the people of West Papua I would like to pass on my deepest and sincerest condolences after the death of British Lord Avebury (Eric Lubbock) who tragically passed away yesterday after a lifetime of fighting for freedom and human rights. Lord Avebury, was one of the first members of International Parliamentarians for...
Benny Wenda congratulates the new Prime Minister of Vanuatu
Following the peaceful and democratic elections in the Republic of Vanuatu, Benny Wenda, as Spokesperson for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), has written this congratulatory letter to the new Prime Minister Hon. Charlot Salwai. 12th February 2016 Dear Hon. Prime Minister Charlot Salwai, On behalf of the people of West Papua, The...
Benny Wenda condemns Indonesia’s plans for West Papua
Recently the Indonesian government has announced various plans in attempts to suppress the West Papuan people and the international solidarity movement supporting us. Last week it was announced that 1200 Indonesian personnel including 670 personnel from the Indonesian military and police will launch an “expedition” to West Papua in order to “map the natural resources and...
When it comes to West Papua, who are the real liars?
PRESS STATEMENT Last week I was wrongly accused by the Head of the Indonesian Police, Badrodin Haiti of organising an attack of Indonesian policemen in West Papua. I was also threatened by Sutiyoso, the Head of the Indonesian Intelligence Agency (BIN) that they would use ‘other methods’ if I ‘refused to cooperate’ with them. Following...
Christmas and New Year message from Benny Wenda
Dear friends of West Papua, On behalf of my people I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year. This year we have all made small steps and huge strides down the long road to freedom and we can all be very proud that 2015 has been a...
Reported massacre in Yapen – Indonesia is committing a secret genocide in West Papua
Benny Wenda has written this statement on International Human Rights Day about the deaths of up to 4 West Papuan villagers in Yapen who were shot by the Indonesian military and police for raising the West Papuan flag on 1st December 2015. Benny Wenda is available for media inquiries: Email [email protected], Telephone +44 7411 053 953...